Boston Bruins: Drew Stafford Added at 2017 Trade Deadline
The streaking Boston Bruins made just one minor move at the NHL Trade Deadline, acquiring winger Drew Stafford from the Winnipeg Jets.
Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney made just one move at the NHL Trade Deadline. Rumors surrounded the team for months, but the team has been hot under new head coach Bruce Cassidy. All of the teams players remain, as the Bruins acquired Drew Stafford from the Winnipeg Jets. Boston sent a conditional 6th round draft pick in the 2018 draft to the Jets.
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The 31 year old winger has four goals and nine assists on the season, in 40 games. Stafford is in the last season of a two-year, $8.7 million deal.
Jimmy Hayes is the most likely player to lose ice time to Stafford, though there is no immediate rush to play him. Hayes has been trending upwards under Cassidy’s leadership and he has a chance to solidify his spot in the lineup.
Sweeney made it clear that the lineup is his coaches concern, not his own.
"“That is the coach’s decision in terms of where he decides to play him, if he decides to play him. I think he adds some versatility. We talked about it as a group over the last couple days, but that will be the coach’s decision.”"
The Bruins have gone 7-1-0 over the last eight games, and now have a great chance to make the playoffs. Though not a 2017 Stanley Cup contender, Boston held on to its best assets for the future, and like their TD Garden partners the Boston Celtics, the Bruins have room to improve and contend in the coming years.
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The Bruins are just six points behind the Montreal Candiens, and are three points ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The playoff push is in full swing now, as Toronto has a game in hand.